Two years after a man disappeared in southern Texas County, a community is joining to hold a benefit to help raise funds to pay a private investigator.
John “J.P.” Dudding was reported missing Jan. 28, 2023. His residence had been set on fire and his belongings were still there, including his cell phone and wallet. A search ensued south of Highway U to find clues.
A group of people — including representatives of the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, Cabool Fire Department, Mountain Grove Fire Department, Houston Fire Department and Clear Springs Fire Department — gathered on Varvel Road after he was first reported missing. Dudding is described as having gray hair, blue eyes, 5’9” and 140 pounds.
The benefit will help generate funds to further the investigation. It is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at the Clear Springs Community Building.
“We have hired a very good private investigator, retired homicide detective, with an amazing record on cold cases. We are in no way saying Texas County isn’t working hard on the case. We are just trying to find information that may not be out yet to help,” according to a statement from organizers.
There is a $7,500 reward offered for information leading to conviction of person(s) responsible.
To learn more, contact Jennifer Story at 417-270-6310. Anyone with information is asked to notify law enforcement. The Texas County dispatch line is 417-967-5997.
